One of Australia’s top women referees will join key female officials from other sports at the Bankwest Women In Sport Panel Discussion at Crown Perth on October 2.

Westfield W-League and FIFA-listed referee Kate Jacewicz, Australian Hockey League Umpire Mel Trivic and WAFL and AFLW umpire Gabby Simmonds will share their experience of the sporting industry at the free event from 6pm.

The BWIS Panel Discussion will be held ahead of the Bankwest Women’s Challenge Cup between the Bankwest Women’s State Team and Perth Glory Women at Hartfield Park on October 3.

Football West Chief Executive Officer James Curtis said the panel discussion would provide an insight into what it takes to reach the top as a female sporting official.

“Women’s football is on the rise and we have also seen an increase in the number of women interested in refereeing and coaching,” he said.

“We know that so many young girls are being attracted to football and that will continue as long as we have stars such as Sam Kerr performing so well for Perth Glory and for the Westfield Matildas on the world stage. But Football West is also determined to provide opportunities for those young girls who see themselves as playing an officials role, whether as a referee or assistant.”